THE IDENTITY CRISIS – Part 1

Who are you? Why are you here? This is a question that mankind has struggled with from the beginning of time, from the Old to the New testament and Satan has used that struggle for his purposes. Let’s take a few examples. OLD TESTAMENT

““God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”” Genesis 3:5 NLT Satan challenged Adam and Eves identity by making them doubt who God had created them to be. By making them feel they would have or be more outside of God.

Instead of going back to their maker, to get a better understanding, Eve decided to take a closer look, meaning she was giving the enemy the time of day to challenge her identity. First mistake. Then lust of the eyes took over. Second mistake. You don’t go into any rhetoric with the enemy. These enemies can be voices in your head, things we see or hear online, “friends” etc.

To guard against the enemy’s challenge, we need to go back to the drawing board and ask God, our creator the truth about ourselves and believe His Word. He speaks through His Word, through Godly parents, Godly teachers and a still small voice, revelation knowledge - different ways. He says, “Seek Me and you will find Me”. Seek God in prayers and let Him tell you who He created you to be. NEW TESTAMENT 1. Temptation of Christ in Matthew 4:1-11- Satan came just as Jesus was being launched into His purpose to fulfill what He had been called to do after fasting for 40 days. He was vulnerable and hungry. Satan challenged Jesus’ identity my asking Him twice, ‘If you are the son of God……’

2. Jesus asked His disciples - “who do men say that I am?” Matthew 16:13-20 It’s not only Satan who will challenge your identity. People around you, those you know and those you don’t know will attach different identities to you. This is where you have to be selective. After that question, he now asked Peter himself - “who do you say I am?” Peter moved by the Spirit gave the perfect answer that addressed not just the identity but also His purpose. When you are able to answer the question of identity and purpose, life becomes simpler, decisions are easier to make, you’re less stressed and storms of life will have less effect on you because you know who you are and where you’re headed.

In Conclusion, in answering the identity and purpose question:

1. Identify your vulnerabilities and guard your heart against them

2. Identify what you’re passionate about

As you journey through this life, you need to know who you are so no one can push you around. In the choice of a career, a school, a business, a life partner, etc, remind yourself about who you are and your purpose in life and make sure that whatever you do and whoever you align yourself with are in line with that reality.

Bible characters such as Samuel, Joseph, David figured it out quite early and they were able to fulfill their purpose because they knew who they were.